Menzerite-(Y) is a rare member of the garnet group specifically enriched in yttrium and other rare earth elements. It typically appears as dark, dodecahedral crystals in silica-undersaturated or rare-metal pegmatites, often requiring laboratory analysis for definitive identification due to its similarity to other garnets.
Is this menzerite-(y)?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch menzerite-(y) with a known reference. Menzerite-(Y) sits at Mohs 7-7.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Menzerite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Menzerite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Menzerite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Menzerite-(Y) and vitreous to subresinous on Almandine.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Menzerite-(Y) and adamantine to resinous to dull on Andradite.
Often found alongside menzerite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with menzerite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- {(Y,REE,Ca,Mn)₃(Mg,Fe³⁺,Fe²⁺)₂(Si,Al)₃O₁₂}
- Mohs hardness
- 7-7.5
- Density
- 3.9-4.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Dodecahedral Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites, Skarns
Where rockhounds find menzerite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Sweden
- Canada
- Russia
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites, skarns country, the host setting where menzerite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify menzerite-(y)?+
Where is menzerite-(y) found?+
Is menzerite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like menzerite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with menzerite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does menzerite-(y) form in?+
What is menzerite-(y) used for?+
Find menzerite-(y) on the map
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